First Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism Meeting Held in Lisbon

The first meeting of the Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was held Friday at Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon, marking a new step in diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

The meeting reviewed overall bilateral relations, including political, economic and consular matters. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, culture, education, and science and technology. Discussions also covered climate change and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

The Nepali delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, while the Portuguese side was headed by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Dr. Ana Isabel Xavier. Nepal’s Ambassador to Portugal, Prakash Mani Paudel, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nepali Embassy, also participated.

Ambassador Paudel said the meeting held in Portugal included in-depth discussions on expanding cooperation and addressing issues faced by the Nepali community, particularly documentation authentication concerns. The Nepali side also urged the establishment of a Portuguese embassy in Nepal.

During the visit, Foreign Secretary Rai held a courtesy meeting with Francisco Maria de Sousa Ribeiro Telles, Secretary-General of Portugal’s Foreign Ministry, to discuss strengthening diplomatic ties.

Rai also met officials from the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency to promote investment in Nepal’s renewable energy sector, particularly in hydropower generation, transmission, and distribution.

The Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between Nepal and Portugal was established in 2018. The Nepali delegation is scheduled to return home following the conclusion of the visit.